Our Team
Bryan Kelley, President & Chief Pilot
Known simply as “BK” by friends and colleagues, Bryan has deep roots in the Texas panhandle and a lifelong connection to aviation. From an early age, he was immersed in the world of flight through his family’s business, which relied on private planes to connect multiple locations. Growing up in the right seat of a Cessna 421 and launching countless hot air balloons with his father, curiosity evolved into a hobby, a career, and ultimately, a full-fledged love affair with aviation. With several thousand hours under his belt and type ratings in the CE-500, CE 525, CE-560, and King Air 300/350, Bryan has flown for a wide range of companies and individuals in the Texas Panhandle over the last 20 years. From his humble beginnings in a Cessna 172, to his proudest achievements in the jet world, Bryan has always displayed the same calm approachable demeanor. His professionalism and leadership in the cockpit ensure that his passengers always feel secure and well cared for. Whether flying the executives of a billion-dollar bank or his own family, Bryan’s commitment to safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service is apparent and unwavering. With the support of his amazing wife Betsy and two busy teenagers, Bryan continues to strive for excellence in the cockpit and beyond. On the rare occasion he has a Friday afternoon off, you can probably find him on the golf course. #flywithBK aircraft operate safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Tim Schlabs: Captain & Director of Maintenance
Tim is a passionate aviator with a drive for creating an enjoyable and safe flight experience. With 20 years of experience in aviation, he specializes in Piloting, Aircraft Sales, Aircraft Maintenance, and Aircraft Management. Tim’s aviation journey began in 2003 when he attended Spartan College of Aeronautic and Technology, earning his Commercial Pilots License, Flight Instructor (CFII) Certificate, and Ground Instructor Certificates (AGI & IGI). In 2017, Tim opened TMSP Aviation, a flight school located at Hereford Municipal Airport. From 2017-2024, the flight school employed several flight instructors and maintained an impressive first time pass rate of over 98% on FAA checkrides. Since becoming a full-time pilot and flight instructor in 2017, Tim obtained his FAA Airframe & Power Plant Mechanics License in 2023. With several thousand hours of flight experience ranging from small single-engine personal planes to multi-engine turbo props to multi-engine jets, Tim strives to provide the safest, most efficient flights for his clients. Tim currently resides in Hereford TX with his wife, Mallory, and two daughters, Scout and Piper.
Ben Monzingo: Captain & Chief Flight Instructor
Ben obtained his private pilot’s license in 2006, going on to earn instrument and commercial privileges, instructor and instrument-instructor certificates, as well as a multi-engine rating. Ben’s current specialty is the Beechcraft King Air family of turboprops of which he’s displayed a consistent level of mastery and skill. These accomplishments aren’t enough though, Ben is constantly working to better his aviation knowledge through ongoing learning in various forms. He takes pride in getting his passengers to their destinations safely, efficiently, and comfortably. Safety being the utmost priority. Ben was born and raised in Memphis, TX and now resides in Canyon, TX with his wife of 12 years, Catherine, and kids Wyatt and Cora. Outside of aviation Ben enjoys the outdoors; camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and officiating high school football.
Mercury Aero In Action
Contract Pilot Pool
Mercury Aero retains a vast network of qualified contract pilots, most of whom are ex-airline and/or military. Whether it’s a staff pilot or a contractor, you can rest assured that your captain is experienced, current, and qualified in the aircraft he’s flying. Safety is our number one priority. Period. #flywithBK
